So, you’re hoping to trade your cold winter for a tropical, beach-y vacation in Maui, Hawaii, but you don’t know what to pack. Maybe you’re asking yourself, “Will it be hot enough for shorts and tank tops?” Or, “Will it be too chilly?” Here, you’ll find exactly what to pack for Maui in December, January, February and March.
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While I cannot control the weather, I do have a successful history of packing all of the right outfits for Maui in winter. Please, allow me to assist you!
Not only will this Maui winter packing list give you everything you’ll need, but I also have an entire guide on how to pick a foolproof Road To Hana outfit here. If you plan to venture on Maui’s Road To Hana, you’ll definitely want to check that out.
Without further ado, here’s what to pack for Maui in winter months.
1. Several Swimsuits
On average, winter days in Maui reach about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (about 23 degrees Celsius). Obviously, this is still plenty warm to dip in the ocean, waterfall pools and hotel pools.
Because you might get sandy or muddy depending on where you are swimming, I suggest bringing at least two or three swimsuits. (I love this simple strapless bikini off of Amazon.)
Girls, I also highly recommend packing at least one one-piece swimsuit.
Maui waves can be pretty merciless, so you’ll definitely want extra top coverage if you plan to boogie board, surf, wind surf or participate in any other water activities. Learn from my mistake.
Currently, this is my favorite one piece from Aerie.
2. Swim Cover-Up/Beach Towel
Your Maui hotel or Airbnb rental will most likely have beach towels available on hand for you to use, but sometimes they don’t. It’s worth double checking with them before you embark.
Swim cover-ups are always a good idea too. Plus, they take up a lot less suitcase space than beach towels. I brought these Amazon swimsuit wraps and adored them.
Here’s my favorite short wrap skirt (comes in a two-pack).
3. Sunscreen
The Maui sun still burns bright throughout November, December, January, February and March. It may not be quite as hot, but it can still cause your skin a lot of damage in the long-run.
If you were blessed/cursed with fair, acne-prone skin like me, I recommend the Neutrogena Clear Face oil-free sunscreen with SPF 55. This sunscreen is very lightweight, high-coverage and has never made me break out.
Likewise, if you also love having some makeup done for beach photos like me, I highly recommend these beach-proof makeup products, particularly this Sun Bum face mist, which you can spray over your makeup to reapply SPF throughout the day without coating liquid sunscreen over your makeup.
4. Sunglasses
Just like you have to protect your skin, you need to protect your eyes! Bring a pair of sunglasses everywhere you go in Maui.
Even if you’re taking a break from the beach to hike or visit Haleakala National Park (which I highly recommend doing), you still need to wear a lot of sunscreen and wear your shades.
Blessed/cursed with poor eyesight too? Zenni Optical has incredibly cute and cheap prescription sunglasses in every style frame imaginable (aviator, round, luxury square, classic and more).
5. T-Shirts/Lightweight Blouses
Now, don’t be totally fooled by Maui’s daytime heat. In the winter months, Maui can get pretty chilly in the evenings — about 50 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill (10 degrees Celsius).
I found that loose, lightweight blouses (short or long-sleeved) were perfect tops to pack for Maui in winter.
6. Loose-Fitted Pants
Like the lightweight tops, loose fitting pants are a staple piece in Maui, Hawaii, throughout the winter.
They are cool during the day. They are warm at night. And, they prevent inner-thigh chaffing during those fun-but-sweaty hikes on the Road to Hana. I am not kidding when I say that loose linen pants are truly a must-bring to Maui.
7. Comfortable Waterproof Sandals
Another non-negotiable clothing item to pack for your trip to Maui is a pair of comfortable, waterproof sandals.
These came in clutch, especially when hiking the Pipiwai Trail through the bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls. Of course, waterproof sandals are also a perfect to-and-from-the-beach shoe. However, investing in a pair of walkable waterproof sandals will save you on your muddy hikes.
Whereas my friends’ nice tennis shoes got filthy while hiking, I was able to run my feet under nearby streams and waterfalls to clean off. These Tevas are really cute, too, unlike most walking shoes.
8. Tennis Shoes Or Hiking Boots
If you opt not to bring a pair of walkable sandals, you are going to need to bring a pair of tennis shoes — preferably a pair that can get muddy.
Or, you can always bring a pair of legitimate hiking boots. I personally love my Timberlands — enough support but not too bulky or heavy.
9. A Light Sweater, Sweatshirt Or Jacket (What To Pack For Maui In Winter)
Again, nights out in Maui can get pretty chilly, so it would always be best to bring at least one lightweight sweater, sweatshirt or jacket.
Denim jackets (like this one from GAP) are another staple packing item, as they provide adequate warmth and match every outfit (which means you’ll have less to pack).
10. Hiking Clothes
By now, you probably get the idea that hiking is a definite to-do on Maui in the winter. If you’re more of the beach-only type of travel, you can keep scrolling.
But, if you are up for a rewarding adventure (on the Road to Hana, for example), you may want to consider bringing a hiking outfit or two, depending on how many hikes you want to take.
11. Socks/Underwear (What To Pack For Maui In Winter)
Remember to pack enough socks, underwear, bras and pajamas for the number of winter days you’ll be in Maui!
To keep your suitcase organized (and to prevent the nightmare of underwear falling out of our suitcase at baggage claim from realizing), I suggest using packing cubes to store all of your unmentionables.
12. Toiletries
Another obvious packing list item for Maui? Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, moisturizer, etc.). Here’s your second reminder to pack high SPF sunscreen!
I use a hanging toiletry bag for all of my trips.
Not only will a hanging toiletry bag will keep all of your little bottles packable and organized, but it will also allow you to hang your bathroom necessities on the mirror, shower rod or towel rack to save precious hotel counter space.
13. One Dressy Outfit (What To Pack For Maui In Winter)
Maui, particularly the city of Wailea, is full of beautiful sunset beaches, high-class shopping and luxurious restaurants. If you’re planning on treating yourself to a vacation shopping spree or five-star meal, have a more dressy outfit on hand.
Your outfit doesn’t have to be totally formal for the majority of places on Maui, so consider a beach-trendy look like this.
Is It Warm Enough To Swim In Maui In Winter?
Yes, it is definitely warm enough to swim in Maui in the winter months.
Regardless of weather you’re visiting Maui in December, January, February or March, you can plan to swim and snorkel.
Do You Need Warm Clothes In Maui?
If you plan to go to the top of Haleakala Volcano, you should definitely bring a jacket to Maui. However, if you’ll only be on the Maui beaches, you most likely won’t need warm clothes.
Always check the forecast before packing, though.
Did I forget anything? Comment your own Maui packing list essentials below!
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